Linderhof

Gardening, Cooking and Decorating on the Prairie of Kansas

Welcome to Linderhof, our 1920's home on the prairie, where there's usually something in the oven, flowers in the garden for tabletops and herbs in the garden for cooking. Where, when company comes, the teapot is always on and there are cookies and cakes to share in the larder.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

The Coffee Service

When we have company for dinner it is a moveable feast. Appetizers in one place, dinner at another and coffee (after dessert -- and sometimes with liqueurs) in a third.

We often have appetizers in the breakfast room -- it's easy to reach the appetizer in the middle of the breakfast room table while we sip our cocktails. I do easy appetizers -- one I make and then either nuts or olives or cheese and crackers. We don't want to spoil anyone's appetite for dinner!

Dinner, of course, is in the dining room -- and my favorite number is six -- six makes for easy conversation and dishes don't seem overwhelming when there are only six of everything!

And then, often, especially in the winter, we have coffee in the living room in front of the fire and after dessert.

A silver tray with the after dinner coffee pot, creamer and sugar, napkins, and wee demitasse spoons and wee demitasse cups -- in blue and white, of course!

Served from the coffee table where I pour and Husband Jim serves our guests.

We linger over coffee and conversation -- often refilling the pot. Sometimes, the men will take brandy and go to the breakfast room for cigars. Husband Jim always makes sure that the brandy decanter and snifters are on a table in the breakfast room.

The wee cups are English, have a pretty rose in the center of the saucer and a rose inside the cup. I've forgotten the manufacturer and the pattern but they are blue and white and fit in perfectly at Linderhof!

I love the idea of moving from one room to the other for each part of the dinner. It lets you enjoy your entire entertaining space. Lovely display, everything is especially exquisite with silver.EnjoyMaryrose

Martha,Lovely coffee set for love is blue! As we prepare for our dinner groups this coming Spring, I mentioned to "Mr. Ed" that I'd like to do dessert on the lower level in front of the fireplace. Thank you for this inspirational post!Fondly,Pat

I like the fact that you serve in different rooms.....that makes for an interesting evening. Your coffee set is so pretty and I love anything BLUE...and if it has a rose, even better! The silver tray is just perfect to use and to showcase your beautiful china.

I agree, six makes the perfect dinner party and I too have different courses in different parts of the house. My favorite way of entertaining is when cocktails and apps. can be served on the patio to enjoy the garden. Soon.

Just lovely, Martha. You're kind to share your time-tested common-sense methods for gracious, elegant entertaining. I've already adopted your "one wine glass method" -- makes so much more sense that giving guests before-dinner wine and having a second glass waiting on the dinner table. Often there was a tricky transition to make (plus, as you said, extra glasses to hand wash!).

The silver tray, coffee pot, and demitasse cups are all very beautiful!